RETALIATE Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'retaliate' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate , requite , and return . While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully. // the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

Q: When is 'reciprocate' a more appropriate choice than 'retaliate'?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate , reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received. // reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Q: Where would 'requite' be a reasonable alternative to 'retaliate'?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently. // requited her love with cold indifference

Q: When could 'return' be used to replace 'retaliate'?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back. // returned their call // return good for evil

retaliate

verb

ri-ˈta-lē-ˌāt

Definition of retaliate next

as in to avenge

to punish in kind the wrongdoer responsible for retaliated his neighbor's malicious destruction of his flower garden by cutting down the man's prize apple tree

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How does the verb retaliate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of retaliate are reciprocate, requite, and return. While all these words mean "to give back usually in kind or in quantity," retaliate usually implies a paying back of injury in exact kind, often vengefully.

the enemy retaliated by executing their prisoners

When is reciprocate a more appropriate choice than retaliate?

While in some cases nearly identical to retaliate, reciprocate implies a mutual or equivalent exchange or a paying back of what one has received.

reciprocated their hospitality by inviting them for a visit

Where would requite be a reasonable alternative to retaliate?

While the synonyms requite and retaliate are close in meaning, requite implies a paying back according to one's preference and often not equivalently.

requited her love with cold indifference

When could return be used to replace retaliate?

The words return and retaliate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, return implies a paying or giving back.

returned their call

return good for evil

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of retaliate This process was devised to allow the president to retaliate against a surprise nuclear attack within minutes, but it can also be used to launch a nuclear first strike. —

Anthony Lake, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2024 China and Russia have both called for a ceasefire in the spiraling conflict and criticized Israel’s actions, while the US has endorsed Israel’s right to retaliate against militant groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. —

Simone McCarthy, CNN, 21 Oct. 2024 Venezuela retaliated by refusing deportation flights from the United States and Mexico. —

Tirana Hassan, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 Israel retaliated and attacked Iran on October 25 and carried out airstrikes in the country's capital. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retaliate